Review: OKLAHOMA! at Scarborough Music Theatre

Out of your dreams, and onto the stage! Scarborough Music Theatre's Oklahoma! Shines at the Scarborough Village Theatre until November 17th

The 1943 Rodgers & Hammerstein classic musical has rediscovered itself in 2018 with a stellar cast and production value guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The musical, set in 1900's Oklahoma territory, follows the story of two young lovers, Curley (Charlie Davidson), and Laurey (Carina Cautillo) who have trouble admitting their feelings for each other due to their stubbornness, and the mad farmhand Jud (Antonio Ortega) who attempts to come between them. The secondary love triangle follows the flirtatious Ado Annie (Laura Currie) and the two men she cannot pick between; loveable cowboy, Will Parker (Liam Donovan),who isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, and the enchanting persian peddler Ali Hakim (Steven Suepaul).

Pictured Above Laura Currie (Ado Annie) and Liam Donovan (Will Parker). Pictured below Carina Cautillo (Laurey) Raph Nogal Photography.

With a lovely book, and an even lovelier score by one of broadway's most famous duos, this show is designed to enchant audiences with the first few notes of the overture, but the absolute highlight of the show is the cast. Charlie Davidson's performance as Curley was incredibly awe worthy, with a lyric tenor voice that flooded the theatre with the beautiful sound ideal for this broadway classic. Carina Cautillo as Laurey was wonderful spectacular with a notably strong acting performance and a jaw dropping soprano voice to back it up. The two had a chemistry on stage that was undeniable, and amazing to watch from an audience perspective. The show's secondary leads featured Laura Currie as Ado Annie, giving a bright, quirky comedic performance that kept me laughing every time she went on stage together with, Liam Donovan, who brings an amazing charm and hilarity to the young cowboy, was another dynamic duo that kept me entertained throughout the show. Other amazing standouts from a spectacular cast include the geniusly funny Steven Suepaul as Ali Hakim, Kathy Knight's amazing performance as Aunt Eller, Robyn Hughes's marvelous dance technique in the role of "Dream Lauery", and Antonio Ortega's performance as Jud that was hauntingly brilliant. His character, even creepier and difficult to watch in today's day and age,especially for a young woman like myself, was amazing, and created the exact reaction Jud is supposed to for audiences.

Pictured Robyn Hughes (Dream Laurey) and Charlie Davidson (Curley). Raph Nogal Photography

With a cast as strong as this, there's no surprise that the production team behind the scenes were just as strong. The brilliant direction from Meg Gibson helped take the classic and made it enjoyable for audiences of all ages, and for all point of views from the thrust-structured stage. There was always something to watch and enjoy, no matter where you were sitting which helped give the performance an authentic feeling. Though keeping the production in its original context and setting, she found a way to give the show a fresh perspective, whether it was through the overture pre-show of the farm life of Laurey, Aunt Eller, and Jud, or the 50/50 draw included in the box social scene at the top of act 2, it gave the show a fresh new turn that kept the audience engaged and connected to the story. James Quigley's music direction transcended the score with the solidified harmonies and vocals, and a live band that truly put the show on another level. Choreography from sisters Janet Flynn and Judy Gibson was so enjoyable, especially in the iconic dream ballet. With the cohesive blend of spectacular actors and the equally spectacular artistic team was the recipe for making this production a success.

This is a production you can enjoy at any stage in your life. There's something for everybody here! So If you get the opportunity, go and see this wonderful show. Only 16 tickets left for the performance on Thursday November 15th! Certainly not one to miss ya hear!

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